The Origin of Jack-o’-lanterns

Did you know that the tradition of carving jack-o’-lanterns started in Ireland, where turnips and potatoes were originally used? In fact, the name, jack-o’-lantern, comes from an Irish folktale about a man named Stingy Jack who tried to trick the Devil.

It ended badly for Stingy Jack with the Devil sending him off into the night with only one hot coal to light his way. Jack put the coal into a carved-out turnip and has been roaming the Earth ever since.

The Irish nicknamed this ghostly figure, Jack of the Lantern and when they immigrated to America, they brought their story and gave up their turnip carving to substitute America’s pumpkins, which have become an integral part of our Halloween tradition!

Photo Credit: David Menidrey, on unsplash.com